House Bill 1842, passed in the 84th Texas Legislative Session, provides an opportunity for Texas public school districts to be designated as Districts of Innovation. HB 1842 allows school districts to access most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open enrollment charter schools. To access the flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan as set forth in the Texas Education Code Chapter 12A.

This distinction gives local school districts increased flexibility and local control to support initiatives and innovation geared towards improving educational outcomes for students. Pasadena ISD has chosen to explore and pursue this opportunity to better serve our students.

Process

At the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees held on September 27, 2016, the Board adopted a resolution to initiate the process of exploring the opportunity to be designated as a District of Innovation. The Board of Trustees appointed a committee of educators, parents and community members to draft a Plan to be considered by Pasadena ISD stakeholders.

The Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.Pasadena ISD now joins a growing list of Texas public school districts that have sought this designation.